TOURINFO-On December 11, at the 14th session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Bogotá, Armenian letter art and its cultural expressions” nomination has been inscribed in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. 
“Armenian letter art and its cultural expressions represent the centuries-old art of Armenian writing, the rich culture of decorating letters, and its numerous applications,” the Organizations said.
“The element is distinguished by its wide range of ornamental scripts, characterized by different shapes such as birds, animals, and mythical creatures.
“Beyond its primary function to record and communicate information, Armenian letter art has penetrated almost all layers of society, particularly folk art.
“Educational institutions at all levels, youth centers and the Armenian Apostolic Church play a key role in its transmission.”
Armenian letter art and its cultural expressions constitute the centuries-old art of Armenian letters, Armenian scripts, the rich culture of decorating letters and its various uses. The element is based on the Armenian alphabet created in 405 AD by Mesrop Mashtots, following the ‘one-letter-for-one-sound’ principle. 
The element is also distinguished by its wide range of ornamental scripts, generally classified by their shapes; knots, birds, animals, people, and mythical or imaginary creatures. Since their invention, Armenian letters have not only served their primary function to create written heritage but also as numbers, cryptographs, riddles, etc. 
Today, the letters are also used in handicrafts. Armenian letter art has penetrated almost all layers of society, particularly folk art. The element is practiced across the Armenian territory and is integral to the cultural identity of Armenian people. Its bearers and practitioners include artists, carpet weavers, embroiderers, sculptors, linguists, calligraphists, jewelers, and others. Educational institutions at all levels are involved in transmitting the related knowledge and skills to future generations, and several youth centers accord great importance to teaching Armenian letter art.
Since 2008, continuous support has been shown for the annual ‘Granshan’ international design competition, and the Armenian Apostolic Church is central to acquainting children and youngsters with the element.
Source: https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/armenian-letter-art-and-its-cultural-expressions-01513
